Pack (surname)

Pack is a surname with several possible origins, generally considered to be of English and German extraction.

• English Origin: In England, the name Pack is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "pakke," referring to a bundle or package. It may have been an occupational name for a carrier of goods, a packer, or a peddler. Another possibility is a nickname for someone who carried a particular burden or responsibility.

• German Origin: In Germany, the name Pack is often cited as having developed as a nickname or short form of a Germanic personal name starting with "Pac-" or "Pag-". Another possible origin could be a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle High German word "packe," meaning "lout" or "boor," although this is less common and more speculative.

The distribution of the surname is mainly found in England, Germany, and areas with significant immigration from those countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. As with many surnames, variations in spelling may exist (e.g., Pache, Packs). Early records of the name can be found in historical documents such as parish registers, census records, and property deeds. The meaning and origin of the name in individual cases may depend on the specific family history.